i just got the connector in the mail today, thanks odysseus it was a big help
now i just need to know what gauge is the ignition wire i havn't taken the cluster out yet but i thought it was 18 gauge so i bought 14-18 gauge wire taps but i was told that the ignition wire is 20 or 22 gauge if that is true than i need to buy the 18-22 gauge taps instead can someone please let me know i don't want to sever the ignition wire while trying to complete the install.
also can i just use a butt connector to connect the 30' length of 22 gauge wire that goes from the radio to the ignition wire tap since there is about 3-4 inches of good wire already connected to the connector or for better connection do i need to soder a whole new wire between the two.
thanks again
I'm sure a butt connector will work fine, although I solder and shrink wrap all of my connections (or start from scratch and crimp a new terminal to the approriate wire). You don't tap into the ignition wire. You will need to find the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) wire tucked in the bundle of wires going to the Instrument Cluster. It's greyish brown, as I recall. You will find it's something like 24 or 26 gauge (very tiny). I wouldn't use anything larger than 22 guage for you're wire, since you don't want it too stiff. 30" of total wire should be plenty to feed from the back of the instrument cluster, behind the dash to the back of the radio. Make sure to zip tie this wire to the existing harness at both ends for stress relief, or it will surely break when you push the head unit back in place (don't ask how I know this). It's all written up with pictures over at Reeds site.
Hi Odysseus..I'm gonna follow through on your request to support Reeds' FAQ sheet....Please let me know how to provide you with my info so that I can receive on of your harnessess if stil available....dannymd@aol.com
This is my first post. To this point I’ve simply been reading every post dealing with the installation of a nav unit over the non-nav unit. I purchased mine via e-bay. The installation went smooth but to this day it won’t track my location. Even after the vss installation. When I go to the screen that shows the satellites, I normally have 3 green satellites and it displays the longitude and latitude and changes as I’m driving… it also displays the proper speed the vehicle is traveling. Isn’t that a pretty good indication the vss wire has continuity? Does anyone know why this thing isn’t tracking me when I have the map displayed?
Only 2 things it can be.... 1. Your VSS isnt making a good connection...sometimes you need to just solder it and not use a butt or t connector......2. or You need to manually set your location first in the nav setup......Most likely...even though you think you have a good vss connection, no offense, but you probably dont......99 out of 100 times this is the problem......many have had to redo this including myself
I did the manual set-up so I can eliminate that... guess I'll need to tear into the dash one last time... hopefully. I think I'll take your advice and solder it this time. Thanks for the prompt reply!
the vss wire was greyish brown? i thought it was dark brown?
any way ODY can you please help me out with one of those VW wiring harness? i cant send PMs yet so let me know what i can do ill become a supporting member gladly.
This is my first post. To this point I’ve simply been reading every post dealing with the installation of a nav unit over the non-nav unit. I purchased mine via e-bay. The installation went smooth but to this day it won’t track my location. Even after the vss installation. When I go to the screen that shows the satellites, I normally have 3 green satellites and it displays the longitude and latitude and changes as I’m driving… it also displays the proper speed the vehicle is traveling. Isn’t that a pretty good indication the vss wire has continuity? Does anyone know why this thing isn’t tracking me when I have the map displayed?
